Morning to town. Having reformed my practice, I got to town quite in reasonable time today. At the Office. Nothing worthy of particular notice. At the house, after having purchased a Carpet for my Study. Discouraged about my books, as I find other cases must be made. The expense frightens me. Found Mrs. P. Chardon Brooks, Miss
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Phillips, Julia Gorham and afterwards Abby. But they did not please me this morning so that I returned to the Office in bad humour. Mr. Orcutt, tenant of tenement No. 3 in Common Street, called to tell me he could not pay any more rent at present.
1 This is the general cry. And in the mean time, we must live. The prospect is not agreeable. I did not remain in town long being out of spirits, and returned to Quincy to dine. Found there Dr. Waterhouse of Cambridge who dined with us but was dry. Afternoon, I read a little of Burnet, which I must go over again connectedly, and finished the first Volume of Lady Montague. Mr. Bussy, his grandson in law Francis C. Head,
2 and four strangers, citizens of South Carolina, called in the course of the afternoon. Not much conversation in the evening.